August 14th, 2014 10:45 PM
Shamai wrote:
I married my husband when he was 60 and within 2 years I became a caretaker. We were lucky in that surgery was able to give him 2 more wonderfully productive years, and then it was time to close his office. He resented me and what he saw as my control over him, which was in fact the progression of the disease. I went through so much anger around finally having found my soul mate, and losing him at the same time.
Hi Samai - you mentioned a surgery, was it something that assisted with the dementia? If so, can you provide some info? Are you part of a support group? We have a group in Calgary that is all EOS - everyone diagnosed by 60. While we share a lot of the same issues as older people who have been diagnosed, we also have a lot of additional issues. Alzwife.
August 19th, 2014 3:57 PM
AlzWife wrote:
Shamai wrote:
I married my husband when he was 60 and within 2 years I became a caretaker. We were lucky in that surgery was able to give him 2 more wonderfully productive years, and then it was time to close his office. He resented me and what he saw as my control over him, which was in fact the progression of the disease. I went through so much anger around finally having found my soul mate, and losing him at the same time.
Hi Samai - you mentioned a surgery, was it something that assisted with the dementia? If so, can you provide some info? Are you part of a support group? We have a group in Calgary that is all EOS - everyone diagnosed by 60. While we share a lot of the same issues as older people who have been diagnosed, we also have a lot of additional issues. Alzwife.
Alzwife- do you (or any others) happen to know if there's an EOS-specific group in Red Deer or Edmonton as well? I think it would be helpful.... have attended other care-partner support groups but they always seem to be dominated by those whose loved ones are much older than my Mom. Also does anyone know of support groups that are specific to adult children care partners (as opposed to spouses)? Thanks, Pam
August 29th, 2014 10:36 PM
Hi Pam: I' not sure whether there is a specific EOS Early OnSet) group in Red deer,but I do know of a contact in Red Deer whose partner had EOS. I you want to email me directly I will get hold of them and se if they want to exchange contact with you. Alternatively, talk to Christine in the Red Deer office,she can connect youwith someone. My website is www.thisisalzheimers.com which is only about EOS. Alzwife.
September 4th, 2014 11:05 AM
Hi Pam,
Please feel free to contact myself if you are further interested in the Early Onset Group the AlzWife is refering too.
October 20th, 2014 4:30 PM
Pam wrote:
AlzWife wrote:
Shamai wrote:
I married my husband when he was 60 and within 2 years I became a caretaker. We were lucky in that surgery was able to give him 2 more wonderfully productive years, and then it was time to close his office. He resented me and what he saw as my control over him, which was in fact the progression of the disease. I went through so much anger around finally having found my soul mate, and losing him at the same time.
Hi Samai - you mentioned a surgery, was it something that assisted with the dementia? If so, can you provide some info? Are you part of a support group? We have a group in Calgary that is all EOS - everyone diagnosed by 60. While we share a lot of the same issues as older people who have been diagnosed, we also have a lot of additional issues. Alzwife.
Alzwife- do you (or any others) happen to know if there's an EOS-specific group in Red Deer or Edmonton as well? I think it would be helpful.... have attended other care-partner support groups but they always seem to be dominated by those whose loved ones are much older than my Mom. Also does anyone know of support groups that are specific to adult children care partners (as opposed to spouses)? Thanks, Pam
Hi Pam: did you connect to any EO people in Red Deer? There is a prov mtg this sat in Red Deer you would be welcome. Alzwife
October 20th, 2014 8:26 PM
Thanks Christine and AlzWife! Obviously I need to check back in on this site more often as weeks and months have slipped by and I'm just seeing your replies now...good thing I checked back in for that live meeting tonight. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it to the meeting in Red Deer this Saturday but would be interested in keeping in the loop on this EOD group. I live in Edmonton myself, but have a sister in Red Deer and my Mom is in a facility close to there. I also already know Christine so can get in touch with her again directly :)
thanks again!
October 22nd, 2014 9:23 PM
There will be a tape made of the meeting to be viewed at a later date and your convenience in a few days after the meeting. . The EOS meeting this weekend is not part of the Alzheimer's Society but there have been articles in the Red Deer Express today that will yield you all sorts of information to contact that group. Just go online for that newspaper.
Dean in Red Deer
November 19th, 2014 1:56 PM
I have been struggling with memory loss for a few years now I am only 45 and my memory is getting worse lately it used to be just a joke I tell my brother it's a good thing I remember your name now that joke is becoming a reality and I'm afraid I may have early onset
December 2nd, 2014 12:25 PM
Have you had a complete medical at this point in your life? Be totally honest with your doctor and disclose your concerns. There may be other health issues causing your problems. Also, get in touch with your local Alzheimer's Society and have an honest one on one discussion.
I get concerned sometimes but I think in my case (as possibly yours) it may just be the ageing process. Please keep us informed of the steps you are taking todetermine what the situation is.
Dean in Red Deer, AB
December 10th, 2014 11:33 AM
Hi Echo,
Thanks for joining the café, I would also encourage you to go and see your family doctor or any health care professional that has experience in the area of dementia. You can also as Dean said, call the Alzheimer Society in Edmonton for more support and information on brain health. People often worry about their memory as they age but there is a difference in natural ageing and dementia. I see you live in Edmonton, their contact information is as follows: 1-780-488-2266.
January 6th, 2015 10:58 PM
hello all my first post .
my wife of 35 years showed signs at 49 by age 50 she was diagnosed on her birthday. she is not 54 and its really tough she knowes me but name most times she can not remember.we have homecare twice a week to give her a bath but its getting close to the time when i may not be able to give her the best care. one thing she is always happy so that helps .we tried everything we could reg western meds and other natural ways she ws on ebixa and aricept and if it slowed it down not sure by 5 years she will have no memorie . to me this was very fast.
January 19th, 2015 8:35 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this unwanted journey. What you are doing for your Loved One is the greatest treasure you can do for or give her.
Although my wife passed away 19 months ago, I am of the very, very strong opinion that your Loved One does know who you are or their friends. My opinion is that they have lost their ability to verbalize your name. A strong clue is to watch their eyes and physical reaction when someone like you comes into their presence. They know. They just can't form the words. Keep up this important work you are doing for your Loved One but most of all look after yourself. If anything happens to you, the whole house of cards can come down.
One of the most important steps I took was too contact the Alzheimer's Society in my city or if you are not in a city, the closest major centre. Ask them how to get one on one support as well as joining a spousal or adult support group. My group literally SAVED MY LIFE. It is that important. as well please stay in touch through this forumn.
God Bless!
R. Dean Cowan
Red Deer, AB
January 19th, 2015 6:37 PM
my wife of 35 years showed signs at 49 by age 50 she was diagnosed on her birthday. she is not 54 and its really tough she knowes me but name most times she can not remember.we have homecare twice a week to give her a bath but its getting close to the time when i may not be able to give her the best care. one thing she is always happy so that helps .we tried everything we could reg western meds and other natural ways she ws on ebixa and aricept and if it slowed it down not sure by 5 years she will have no memorie . to me this was very fast.
Briggs 1958:
This quickness is one of the traits of Early Onset Alzheimers. When they are under 65 the progression is very rapid while in an older person it is a progressive disease but not as fast.
While my wife passed away 19 months ago, she started her journey around age 54 or 55. We never got an actual diagnose until about age 64. She did work until about age 64 and a half and passed away at age 66. 16 months after entering Long Term Care.
God be with you on your unwanted journey. Please keep me updated and take active steps for your personal well being such as getting in touch with the Alzheimer's Society. Make sure you join a support group as well and you will find out you are not alone on your journey. The others in your situation are fabulous support as you will be for them.
R. Dean Cowan
Red Deer, AB
PS: I trust that you have your Personal Directives, Power of Attorney and Wills in place. If not, DO IT NOW!!!!!!!